By Carol Fisher-Linn
The most ubiquitous and beloved of ALL icons – Our American Flag.
Flag day in the United States is June 14, a day to honor one of the nation’s most powerful, enduring and iconic symbols – our American flag. The Continental Congress officially adopted the Stars and Stripes as the flag of the United States in 1777. In 1891, a Buffalo NY schoolteacher, Sara M. Hinson, (aka Mother of Flag Day) who taught her students to salute the flag and honor America, organized the first Flag Day ceremony. Eventually, President Woodrow Wilson declared Flag Day (June 14) an official holiday in 1916.
Pictured: this writer’s flag at her home in Cattaraugus County.
As the grateful and proud daughter of a US Marine who served from age 16 in Nicaragua (1916) to the WII Pacific arena (1944) for our nation, and who began our village’s local Legion and Boy Scouts, I grew up with the full-sized flag standing proudly in the corner of our family room where dad held monthly meetings for both organizations. The flag was as much a part of our lives as the home we lived in. It was vital. It was protected. It was cherished and honored and treated with care… every day. Outdoors, the flag flew on the corner of our home. It flew every day, except in violent stormy weather when dad would bring it in (as my husband does with ours these days), where it was our kids’ job to respectfully store it. He was clear and un-wavering – this flag, this crisp, bright piece of red, white and blue cloth, stood proudly as a symbol of honor, commitment and courage. He saw it in action on the bloody battlefield: he taught us what a precious treasure the flag is, and how Americans have the privilege – and responsibility – to treat it with care and dignity. His and others’ service taught us that this flag represents the ideals upon which this nation was built – liberty, unity, sacrifice and hope.
From Google: “Historians estimate that thousands perished throughout American history, particularly in the Civil War, where the position of carrying the flag in battle carried the infamous life expectancy of just minutes.” Antietam – 8 killed/wounded carrying the 69th NY flag. Flags were critical – they were relied upon to pinpoint troop positions so, naturally, they were targeted by the enemy. When one fell, another picked up the standard. Would you? One can view a restored flag of the Civil War 37th NY volunteer infantry from Ellicottville and Allegany at the Cattaraugus County Museum in Machias. See the flag’s unique story online.
Consider the Marines on Mt. Sirabaci during the battle for Iwo Jima. Think of the battle-tattered flag during the American Revolution which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem which became “The Star Spangled Banner.” It’s at the Smithsonian. Who can forget the firefighters raising a flag above the rubble of the 911 attack on the World Trade Center. Why did they struggle to do that? What grit did it take? Remember the American homes, street after street, town after town, flying Old Glory in honor … and defiance. Have we forgotten? We must not! My family cherishes the flag draped over my dad’s coffin as, undoubtedly, every military family has one and respectfully passes it down through generations. The American flag has powerful meaning.
The American Legion, on their site, reminds us that it is during tragic and challenging times that people are most inspired by the sight of Old Glory. The symbolism is powerful: red for valor and sacrifice and the courage of those who fought and continue to fight for our nation’s freedom; white for purity and innocence – the ideals of democracy and justice, and blue representing vigilance, perseverance and justice – virtues we should strive to nurture every day.
This iconic symbol deserves to be flown, not just on Flag Day or National holidays, but every day, to confirm our renewing of our commitment to unity, even more so during this time when we feel so divided and, especially, regardless of political leanings. Our flag knows no political affiliation, not now, not ever. Your own flag, flown on your home/business reaffirms that you are willing to do what it takes to live by the principles of Old Glory. Each of us who daily fly our majestic flag daily declare that we recognize that freedom is earned and must be defended and preserved. Freedom Is Not Free. Do your part. On this Flag day, and every day, fly your flag and celebrate your freedom to do so.